Mary Ann was born on March 13, 1931 in Dallas, Texas. She lived in Dallas until 1941 when her family moved to Waco. She graduated as salutatorian from Waco High School in 1948. She went to Baylor University for one year and then to North Texas State University, where she graduated magna cum laude.
Mary Ann was a very accomplished & brilliant woman. She was a student of literature, history, art and music. In many ways, she was a woman ahead of her time.
Mary Ann spent most of her adult years in Odessa, Texas, raising her family. At the same time, she was involved in various civic organizations. She was president of Contemporary Study Club, a board member of Christian Women’s Club and Junior Service League. She was also involved in political endeavors including George H. W. Bush’s campaign for U.S. Senate and as district coordinator for Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign. She was an inspirational speaker in the community. Because of her love of academia, she used her gift of teaching in the public school system, as well as at First Baptist Church, where she taught a college girls’ Sunday School class for years.
Mary Ann parlayed her civic and church experiences into the business world. She spent the bulk of her career in commercial real estate management with AT&T. Her job opened up many opportunities for her to live in places like Hong Kong, Miami, Denver and Dallas.
Mary Ann is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl Murff, Kim Davis, and Kristi Novak; two sons-in-law, Ron Murff and Kirk Davis; eight grandchildren and spouses, Amy and Ryan Perry, Hillary and Aaron Murff, Lauren and Chase Davis, Caroline Davis, Blake Davis, Casey and Andrew Gilbert, Courtney Novak, Laura and Cody Novak and six great-grandchildren. Other survivors include nephews and nieces Gary Haynes, Billy Michael Haynes, Marge Lambert and Lea Fischer. She was preceded in death by her parents, John T. and Mary “Tommye” Wood; brother Johnny; sister Margie; son-in-law Dan Novak and grandchild John Everett Davis.
Memorial service will be held on April 26 at 11:00am at Prestonwood Baptist Church Faith Chapel, 6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093. Memorial contributions may be made to Prestonwood Baptist Church.
Her legacy will continue being lived out in the lives of her family who loved her.
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